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Inquiry launched into CVS Group's acquisition of The Vet
“This deal could lead to customers facing more limited treatment choices for their pets" - Colin Raftery, CMA.
The CMA has received competition complains in five local areas. 

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has launched an inquiry into the CVS Group's acquisition of Quality Pet Care - which trades as The Vet - after concerns were raised about competion in Bristol, Nottingham, Portsmouth, Southampton and Warrington.
 
In a statement, the CMA said the merger ‘would account for a significant proportion of veterinary services in each of these areas,’ adding that while practices owned by CVS and The Vet compete for customers in these locations, the ‘combined businesses would not face sufficient competition after the merger.’ 

CMA’s senior director of mergers, Colin Raftery, warned that the deal could lead to pet owners ‘facing a worse quality of service’ or ‘having to pay higher prices’. 

“The CMA has received a number of complaints in recent years about higher prices or lower quality services as a result of too many vets’ practices in the same area being under the control of a single company," he said. “This deal could lead to customers facing more limited treatment choices for their pets or paying over the odds for services in these areas. Should CVS fail to address our concerns we will refer the deal for an in-depth investigation.”

The CVS Group owns 467 practices in the UK, while The Vet operates eight practices across England. For more information about the inquiry, visit gov.uk/cma-cases/cvs-slash-quality-pet-care-merger-inquiry

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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Lords Committee opens Pet Parasite Medication inquiry

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will launch its inquiry into Pet Parasite Medication (PPM) on Wednesday (3 June).

Focusing on treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid, the inquiry will seek to understand distribution pathways and the impacts of PPM use and non-use on biodiversity and human health. It will also cover current regulation, monitoring, and the potential implications for pets and their owners.

The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.